Gemifloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs like chronic bronchitis (a condition where your airways are inflamed and produce a lot of mucus) and community-acquired pneumonia (an inflammation of the lungs that can be acquired outside of a hospital or nursing home setting).
Take Gemifloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take Gemifloxacin with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Gemifloxacin must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue to take this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Gemifloxacin and similar antibiotics such as moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain and swelling)
- myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- kidney disease
- diabetes
- seizures or history of seizures
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to an elderly. The elderly are more prone to side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Gemifloxacin.
Gemifloxacin may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, rash, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.
Gemifloxacin may make cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid direct or long hours of exposure to the sun and other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light like tanning beds or sun lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- pain, tenderness, and mild swelling in limbs or joints
- ruptured tendon usually characterised by a snap or pop you hear or feel, severe pain, bruising and marked weakness on the affected area e.g. kneecap, shoulders, heel
- worsening muscle weakness and breathing problems
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- irregular heartbeat
- seizures
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, having thoughts of self-harm, seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- other mental health side effects e.g. disturbances in attention, disorientation, nervousness, memory impairment, delirium (mental confusion and emotional disruption)
- symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar e.g. dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking
- stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools
- severe diarrhoea
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- medicines for pain and/or inflammation e.g. ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, prednisone, prednisolone
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, gliclazide, glibenclamide
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine, thioridazine
- medicines to treat depression e.g. clomipramine, doxepin, amitriptyline
- medicines for stomach problems e.g. sucralfate, cisapride
- didanosine (medicine for HIV infection)
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- probenecid (medicine for gout)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Gemifloxacin.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, as well as multivitamins and minerals containing iron, magnesium and zinc. These medicines may reduce the effectiveness of Gemifloxacin. If you must take these medicines, take Gemifloxacin at least 3 hours before or 2 hours after these medicines.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.